Avodah: Chinese, Mexican and Jewish Culture

Providence emphasizes learning and formation outside the classroom as much as inside it. Because Los Angeles is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country, students have ample chances to learn about other cultures and religions. Los Angeles is home to some of the largest minority communities outside their own native countries.

Over the past month students have been on three Avodah excursions to learn about Chinese culture, Mexican culture, and the Jewish people.

For the Chinese culture Avodah, students visited the Hsi Lai Buddhist temple in Rowland Heights before sharing a meal of Chinese food. They also visited the 99 Ranch Market and toured Chinatown near downtown Los Angeles. By the end of the day, the students usually have a working understanding of some of the culture’s expressions through religion, food, sociology, and history. Former Providence staff member Peter Kao also spoke to the students prior to the excursion about his own experiences as a first generation resident in the United States.

Two weeks ago, Director of Student Life Justin Bleeker led a trip to Tijuana, Mexico. Adrian Crum ’10, who grew up there, joined the students to show them around the city.

Junior Marissa Branson participated in the Jewish Culture Avodah. She made a video about it which you can watch here.